Senior representatives from Northern Ireland’s councils, officials from DAERA and other government officials gathered at Belfast City Hall today for a strategic briefing on emerging Waste-to-Value technology.
The session was convened by the Centre for Competitiveness (NI) in collaboration with Mark Ennis (former Chair of Invest NI) and brought together senior local government executives to examine potential alternatives to landfill and mass-burn incineration.
 

Introducing the Wilson System®
The technology presented by Wilson Bio Chemical is the Wilson System®, an advanced steam autoclaving process designed to treat unsegregated municipal solid waste. The system converts the biogenic fraction of municipal waste – including food waste, paper and cardboard – into a sterilised, energy-rich feedstock known as Wilson Fibre®. This material can be used in renewable energy generation and the development of second-generation bio-products.
Wilson Bio-Chemical positions the system as a scalable Waste-to-Value solution supporting circular economy objectives through sustainable resource recovery.
 
A Timely Discussion for Northern Ireland
With over one million tonnes of municipal waste generated in Northern Ireland in 2024–25, and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ recent consultation on “Rethinking our Resources”, the discussion took place at a significant moment for waste policy and infrastructure planning.
 
 
The session explored how advanced processing technologies could potentially:
– Reduce reliance on landfill
– Lower carbon emissions
– Improve environmental and public health outcomes
– Generate measurable economic value for local and regional communities
The event provided an opportunity for council leaders to consider operational, environmental and economic dimensions of next-generation waste infrastructure.

Collaboration Supporting Sustainable Innovation
Commenting on the collaboration, Mark Ennis said:
“Working with the Centre for Competitiveness has been instrumental for Wilson Bio Chemical in understanding the unique opportunities in Northern Ireland. Their expertise in convening public and private sector partners and their commitment to sustainable innovation have helped us connect with key stakeholders and explore how our Waste to Value technology can contribute to addressing the region’s waste challenges.”

As a practical delivery partner, the Centre for Competitiveness continues to create platforms that connect global innovation with regional opportunity – supporting informed decision-making and strengthening Northern Ireland’s long-term competitiveness through sustainable solutions.